Best Arts and Culture Places in Italy

"This treasure trove of classical and historical artwork has been built up over many centuries by various popes and includes some of the most important pieces of artwork in the world. Located within the confines of the Vatican state, the museums hold over 70,000 pieces of artwork. A dual ticket can be purchased to see both the Sistine Chapel and the museums and it is advised to devote enough time to see both properly."

"The Vatican Museums are the public art and sculpture museums in the Vatican City complex. They're housed in former wings of the Vatican Palace. Much of the work was collected by Pope Julius II, the imperious "warrior" pope who left a staggering legacy."

"It is said that if you stood at each piece for just one minute, it would take you four years to see everything. Created by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century, the museums have expanded..."

"The Hadrianeum—the circular construction designed and commissioned by the emperor Hadrian in 130 as his personal mausoleum—was completed by Antoninus Pius a year after Hadrian’s death. The adjoining bridge, Pons Aelius, another of the emperor’s projects, was begun in 136. In 270–75, Aurelian incorporated the tomb within the inner city by means of the fortified walls bearing his name."

"I love the Castel at many different times of day, but mid-morning (like the first few pics below), sunset, and nighttime are my favorites. To be fair, I’ve never been there at sunrise, so it could also be amazing then…. Part of what I love about it is how many different angles you have to play with:"

"The collection of the Galleria Borghese, defined as one of the most beautiful collections in the world, consists in sculptures, bas-reliefs, and ancient mosaics, as well as statues and paintings from the fifteenth to the eighteenth century. In addition to being exceptional for its splendid collection, the museum is perfect in the coherence of its beautiful ensemble that implies marbles, inlays, mosaics, stuccoes, and inserts of the antique."

"Considered one of the most beautiful small museums in Europe, the Borghese Gallery and Museum is worth a visit even to just admire its interior decor. The fact that it also houses the most valuable collection of Bernini’s early sculptures and Caravaggio’s best paintings just seems like a bonus. The beautiful 17th-century villa used to be the holiday palace of Cardinal Scipione Borghese."

"An art gallery set within the Villa Borghese gardens, Galleria Borghese houses one of Rome’s greatest art collections: the Borghese Collection. Here, visitors can discover classical sculptures by the likes of Bernini and Canova, and ancient artworks by Italian masters such as Raphael and Caravaggio. End the day with a five-minute drive or a 15-minute walk back to the hotel."

"Chiostro del Bramante hosts revolving exhibitions of modern art|© REDA and CO srl / Alamy Stock Photo. The Chiostro del Bramante is a culture and arts center, and is set in a stunning example of Renaissance architecture designed by Donato Bramante (1444-1515). It holds spaces that extend below the surface of the cloister which have been completely renovated, and are now ideal for performances and small exhibitions of young artists."

"Chiostro del Bramante hosts revolving exhibitions of modern art|© REDA and CO srl / Alamy Stock Photo. Designed by Donato Bramante, the Chiostro del Bramante is one of the most important works of Renaissance architecture in Rome. Originally the cloisters of the adjacent Santa Maria della Pace church, the elegant space is now home to revolving exhibitions from the world of modern art."

"Commissioned around 1500, Bramante's square cloister is an extraordinary example of High Renaissance architecture, forming part of the complex of the adjoining church of S."

"Via della Vetrina 21 (Navona)Mon-Fri: 1pm-7pm, Sat by appointmentz2ogalleria.it. Z20 Sara Zanin Gallery is spacious and bright with airy white rooms that act as a blank page. The galleria seeks to elevate surrealist modern and post-modern artists who go beyond traditional mediums to captivate the viewer."

"Via Nizza 138 (Nomentano)Tue – Thur, Sun 10am – 8pm; Sat 10am – 10pmFree Entrymuseomacro.it. MACRO is considered a focal point for public contemporary art in Rome to which professionals, but also the public at large, turn for its schedule of exhibitions. MACRO, as a centre for contemporary art, however, aims to become increasingly multi-functional, maintaining its own local identity and strengthening the involvement of, and its ties with, the community in every possible artistic, cultural and intellectual sphere."

"MACRO is a contemporary art museum housed in two locations: the old Peroni beer factory and the two buildings that once comprised the old slaughterhouse in Testaccio. The site is actively involved in supporting contemporary artistic and cultural production, and runs numerous programs including MACROExpo, MACROLAB and MACROLive. It houses a permanent installation by Daniel Buren, created specifically for the museum."

"MACRO Museum is a contemporary museum for the arts in Rome that is becoming a centre for contemporary art and aims to be multi functional, whilst engaging the community in the arts. In 2020, MACRO has began a program called “Museum for Preventive Imagination” which is a single exhibition until the end of 2022. For more information, please see: https://www.museomacro.it"

"Via dei Pettinari 76 (Trastevere)Mon-Fri: 10.30am-6.30pm, Sat: 11.30am-7.30pmdorothycircusgallery.it. Named after the leading lady in The Wizard of Oz and the marvel that joins art, music, theatre and entertainment, Dorothy Circus Gallery was founded in 2007 by director Alexandra Mazzanti. Exploring the “boundaries between New York and Wonderland,” Dorothy Circus hosts shows that are intrinsic to the idea of art as an immersive experience."

"This quirky gallery always has something interesting on display. Exhibits change regularly, but the permanent collection includes works by street artist “ROA” and Margaret Keane, the artist who inspired the film “Big Eyes”. The red painted walls and well-curated bookshop collection only add to its charm."

"Kick-started by a London art dealer and set in a converted stable, this is one of Rome’s most established private galleries. Gallery Loran O’Neill Roma was also one of the first to attract major international names, such as Tracey Emin and Martin Creed. The gallery has also shown international artists including Anselm Kiefer and has provided a space for local Italian artists like Luigi Ontani and Pietro Ruffo."

"Art collector Lorcan O’Neill made his way to Rome from London in 2014, opening his very elegant art gallery, tucked away near Campo dei Fiori. While the entrepreneur represents established artists, including Turner Prize winners Tracey Emin and Richard Long, he has an eye for emerging and new artists. The gallery hosts 5 to 6 well-curated exhibitions per year, often kicking off with an opening party."

"Vicolo Dei Catinari, 3 (Campo de’ Fiori)Tue-Sat 11am-7pmlorcanoneill.com. Located in a refurbished stable, this hip gallery was set up by a former London art dealer (he is Irish born). Inside Lorcan O’Neill, delightful, exotic, and thought provoking contemporary art awaits you."

"Piazza Rondanini, 30 (Pantheon) Mon – Fri 9am – 7.30pm, Sat 10am – 7pm 06.69380479bahrcityspa.it. If you’ve been walking all day and need to recharge your batteries, BAHR is the place to go. Walk along BAHR’s corridor and enter their last room to discover a whole new world of beauty and relaxation."

"Via Marmorata, 41 (Testaccio) Daily 6am–9pmpasticceriabarberini. Insider tip: it is impossible to walk past this historic pasticceria without being enchanted by the artistic display of sweet sins behind its windows, serving locals and VIPs alike since 1925. Their dedicated team of bakers only use natural ingredients, steering clear of preservatives."

"Located in one of the more vibrant squares of Rome, Beer Company is a safe bet when it comes to beer selection and a good time. Great for aperitivos or dinners, Beer Company will leave you smiling throughout your meal. Thanks to the nice seating arrangement (both inside and out) and the international list of beers to choose from, you’ll be in great company here."

"A piazza is a town square, but each town or city doesn’t have only one – piazzas are everywhere. Some simply have grizzled old men sitting around playing cards. Others thrive with streams of people coming together to gossip, and colourful cafés full of fresh pastries and coffee."

"Vicolo del Cedro, 26 (Trastevere)Sundays, 12pm – 3.30pm Price: a la carte. To start your Sunday on the right foot, head to Il Maritozzo Rosso for their delicious brunch. There’s an a la carte brunch menu with everything you have ever dreamed of: from the Benedict Maritozzo, spongy omelettes, pancakes with maple syrup and vegetable woks, to carrot cakes, pancakes and cheesecakes, and of course, the classic maritozzo with whipped cream and more!"

"A maritozzi con la pannais a sort of raisin studded bun (not dissimilar to a brioche), sliced in half and filled with enough whipped cream to warrant a pie-in-face slapstick sketch. Where: These are a common Roman pastry but those at Regoli Pasticceria are renowned. They also recently celebrated their centenary anniversary, a testament to how good their simple but surprisingly moreish buns are."

"Not just a place to buy cool craft beers to take home, AntiGalleryis a great place to sit (also outside in the little piazzetta), sample, and enjoy a brew. Typical of the hidden gems in Monti, this cute shop is easily missed by passers-by, however it’s definitely worth stopping in for a cold one. We recommend: Seta Special Bergamotto (BEL)"